The United Kingdom is seen as a friendly country in Croatia, and that official Zagreb and London are allies in almost all spheres, for Diplomacy&Commerce confirmed the Ambassador of the United Kingdom, H.E. Javed Patel. For our birthday issue, he talks about political, military, cultural cooperation, as well as global issues. Economic cooperation between our countries is good, but could it be better? Of course! – adds Ambassador Patel.
- How would you describe the relations between official Zagreb and London and are there any open questions between the two countries?
Our relationship is strong, built on mutual respect and partnership. I’ve seen that clearly in my first two months here. Wherever I have travelled, whether that be Istria, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Dubrovnik or Zagreb, the welcome has been warm and friendly. At the same time, our ties are deep, historical, cooperative, and always looking ahead. I see a genuine desire in those I meet to stregthen our patnership, a desire and ambition I share. I had a recent opportunity to see the original birth register of the great grandfather of King Charles III, Franz von Teck, who was born in Osijek back in 1837 – a fascinating Royal connection! The warmth and affection that people in Osijek and Kopački rit still feel about The King’s visit there in 2016 is wonderful to see. And just weeks ago, British and Croatian soldiers were in trenches in Gašinci, training together as they have been over the past decade to strengthen our defence and security partnership. I’ve seen UK and Croatian companies working together to develop the latest technologies, UK experts talking about AI in Croatia and soon we’ll have Croatian experts in the UK sharing experience of off-shore energy. Beyond these official exchanges, we also share a passion for culture and music. I was so impressed with the Arena amphitheatre in Pula recently, but I would love to be there for a concert – I heard that British artists such as Robbie Williams, Florence and the Machine and Artic Monkeys were brilliant there! When it comes to people, British travellers love this country and we see that with the rising number of our tourists every year. Having seen so much already of this beautiful country, I can absolutely see why: A beautiful coastline, incredibly stunning islands, as well as a rich history and culture. Croatia has it all, and I’m looking forward to learning so much more about it.
- The relations between the two countries are best illustrated by economic cooperation. What do the figures show, what kind of economic cooperation is there, which sectors dominate and how much interest do British companies have to invest in Croatia?
Trade between the UK and Croatia currently stands at around 2 billion pounds. We want it to be more. I mentioned tourism, but there are opportunities to work together in energy, infrastructure, defence, IT and tech. Croatia features very high globally for unicorn creation, thanks to Infobip and Rimac and both companies have established their hubs in the UK. This highlights Croatia’s strong innovation in the technology sector, which is where we see the opportunities for more collaboration. Croatian start ups are also very successfull in fintech, AI, mobility, clean tech and health innovation – all sectors where the UK has both strategic need and investment capacity. We hope that the latest UK Industrial Strategy will create opportunities for even more collaboration of businesses. The UK is one of the largest non-EU investors in Croatia, with more than €500M of investment in 2021-2024 in energy, retail, IT and tech and the food industry. These companies are taking advantage of the unique position of Croatia (EU, Eurozone, Schengen and soon OECD) which offers great access to other European and non EU markets. The UK also has a lot to offer: Since the start of the year, we have seen the fastest growth in the G7, the IMF has upgraded our growth forecast for 2025 for a second time in a row and they expect the UK to see the second highest growth in the G7 this year. I already had the opportunity to visit some exceptional Croatian companies who I know are keen to do more with the UK. In parallel, I want to see even more UK companies investing in Croatia and am keen to work in partnership with the Government here to strengthen our business ties. But we cannot do it alone. Organisations like the British Business Chamber Croatia and the Chamber in the UK are also setting the foundation for deeper partnership. This November, we’re hosting the UK-Croatia Business Forum, jointly with British Business Chamber Croatia and Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The event should present the opportunities for UK and Croatian companies to engage with partners, strengthen trade, investment and business collaboration.
- Based on your activities, we conclude that you also pay great attention to military cooperation. What would you highlight and in what direction is it developing?
Our defence partnership with Croatia is deep and getting stronger each year. I was pleased that in my first weeks as Ambassador here I was able to join Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Anušić for our annual joint military exercise Sava Star near Osijek. We spoke about areas in which we could strengthen the partnership and I hope we can do more together. You may also be aware that the UK Red Arrows display team train here each year and these are just two of the many activities we undertake together. Croatia has played a positive role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked attack. As friends and NATO allies we need to do more together for our collective security. We have a new Defence attaché joining our Embassy this month and I expect he will receive the same warmth and welcome that I have. Together we aim to make further progress on what is already a strong partnership.
- What challenges does British society face today and how do you solve them, and how are they related to challenges in the rest of Europe?
The UK, like many countries in Europe, is facing challenges with cost of living, perceptions of increased inequality and the causes behind it. We know that the entire world has suffered from high inflation, some of it a legacy from the pandemic, from conflict and other global shocks. Our job is to work with countries who share our values and want to improve opportunities for our peoples. Whether you are British or Croatian, I think we all want greater opportunities for our children, to learn, to grow in a happy, healthy and safe environment, and to succeed in life. If everyone in society feels like they have a stake in it then I believe strongly these challenges can be overcome. But I don’t underestimate them. We are living in turbulent times and it’s important that our values around democracy, equality, diginity and respect are defended.
- The government in London, as well as in Zagreb, is giving great support to Kiev in its war with Russia. How does Prime Minister Starmer’s cabinet view the end of that war in terms of ending it as soon as possible?
Like the rest of Europe, and the world, we want to see Russia end its unprovoked and illegal war against Ukraine. We are working hard with the US, Ukraine and other partners to secure a just and lasting peace. However, Russia has so far not engaged seriously with peace efforts. The war could end tomorrow. But Putin has instead ramped up his attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The UK and Croatia have been steadfast in our commitment and support to Ukraine, including through our military support, humanitarian aid, and financial assistance. We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
- Speaking of global conflicts, the war in Gaza is one that the Western world is most interested in. What is needed for lasting peace in the area and is it really possible? You also have direct experience, just before your appointment as ambassador to Croatia you worked on supporting British citizens who wanted to leave Gaza. What is the situation in the region and on the ground?
The situation in Gaza is desperately sad. My Government has been clear that the only solution to a lasting and durable peace involves two states living side by side where both Palestinians and Israelis can live in safety and without fear. I was delighted to hear the news of a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, brokered by President Trump. This is a moment of profound relief that will be felt all around the world, but particularly for the hostages, their families, and for the civilian population of Gaza, who have all endured unimaginable suffering over the last two years. This deal is welcome progress. But the path to a lasting peace is long and will need continued negotiation and good will on all sides. You can see from statements at the UN General Assembly that the world is watching closely, that there is a desire to see an end to all hostilities and for an enduring peace. I hope and pray that this can be achievable as soon as possible.
- You’ve been in Croatia for a while now, what are your first impressions and what would you single out as the most interesting detail in describing Croatians so far? What would you recommend to friends who are coming to visit or try in Croatia, and what would you recommend to us in your homeland?
“Wow” is probably the only word I can use to sum up my first impressions. This country is stunningly beautiful. I often say that I have had the pleasure in the past two months to travel from one beautiful part of the country to another, and it has been non-stop since I arrived. From the beautiful islands of Vis, Brač and Brijuni, to stunning cities like Pula, Dubrovnik, Osijek and Split, I have had a wonderful journey so far – and I know there is so much more to see. I expect to have no shortage of visitors. It’s impossible to recommend a favourite place, but I would say to friends and family to look beyond the more obvious parts. Of course the coast is stunning, but Croatia is so much more. Explore the culture, enjoy the cuisine and take advantage of the warm hospitality. And for those wishing to travel the other way…I am biased, and as a Londoner, to me it is the greatest city in the world. It has so much to offer. It’s beautifully diverse, has so much culture and history, as well as boasting some of the finest restaurants in the world! And for those who can get hold of a ticket go and see the greatest Premier League football team in the world, Arsenal. You got it: I’m a passionate Arsenal fan and was delighted to find die-hard Croatian fans of Arsenal (my new ”family”). But I am also keen to go and watch some Croatian football as I know Croatia has produced some of the greatest footballers of all time.